The inspiration for this story came largely from the concept of “deep listening” where there is a distinction made between sensing and hearing as developed by American composer Pauline Oliveros (1932 – 2016). Under Oliveros’ direction people of all ages, musicians, and non-musicians alike, have practiced these listening exercises that are fundamentally derived from Zen philosophy, all of which served as the guide to the way the cat Bamboo shares her sonic world with Damla. “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” is one of the most famous of the Zen koans– a form of a question that has no clear answer yet as one ponders the problem one is led to enlightenment. Damla and Bamboo bear similarities to our own children and our pet cats from whom we have learned so much – well, insomuch as we have been able to listen to them and observe them.

* A translation and publication grant is available for this title.
* English translation of the text is available.

Genre: Picturebook
Page: 24
Size: 21 x 24 cm
Age: 4+
Rights sold: Turkish, Macedonian
Audio & E-book Rights: Turkish, Portuguese (Brazil), English (USA), Spanish (Lat. Amr.), French (France)
Themes: zen philosophy, deep listening, sensing, hearing